Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Although the tools we have formalized today through resolution 1960 (2010) will undoubtedly make a difference in our efforts to end conflicts through a fair and lasting peace, the accompanying establishment of functional governmental institutions and the rule of law remain the international community's best bet for providing populations with the protection they deserve, for ending impunity and for enabling victims and communities to begin thei

"We must also provide protection for women and ensure that putting a stop to war-related sexual violence is prioritized at the international level. We laud the crucial work being carried out by agencies such as UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF to deal with such issues.

"My delegation would also wish to underscore the fact that peace, justice and security are interdependent. There can be no peace without the peace of mind that enables women to undertake their daily tasks, no justice without a national capacity to deliver justice, and no security without women's security.

"My delegation welcomes the appointment of Margot Wallström as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict to provide coherent and strategic leadership in the fight against this vice. We wish her the very best in executing her mandate.

"In this regard, Kenya welcomes the progress made in establishing the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, whose mandate is to assist national authorities in strengthening the rule of law and facilitating access to justice for such victims. Kenya supports the Secretary-General's call on countries affected by conflict to draw from this important resource.

"In armed conflicts, civilian casualties far out-number those of armed combatants. While women and men alike suffer human rights violations in conflicts, women and girls are more likely to be the targets of sexual violence, especially rape.

Secondly, a comprehensive approach is key, and it can be undertaken when the actors involved are proactive and engage in greater cooperation with each other. Under international law and the resolutions of the Security Council, it is the responsibility of the Government and army of a country in conflict to protect their people.

First of all, Japan supports the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604), including its recommendations to strengthen efforts to end impunity with regard to sexual violence as a tactic of war and terror.

"Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for resolution 1960 (2010), which has been adopted today and which Italy was proud to have co-sponsored. By requesting the establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements for conflict-related sexual violence, the Security Council has taken an important step forward. Timely and accurate information will enhance the Council's ability to track and deter this heinous crime.

Acts of sexual violence are horrific crimes against individuals. Women, girls and boys who are raped are not only heartlessly robbed of their basic dignity during the time of the crime, but also bear the scars of those appalling acts long after hostilities have ceased. No amount of compensation can heal those wounds.